A+S

Date: 18.06.2024

Location: Preparation and reception at the George Hotel Colchester

Ceremony at Colchester Town Hall

Nestled in the heart of Colchester Town is the George Hotel. The grade II listed building dates back to the late 14th, early 15th century and is steeped in history. And you feel that the moment you set foot in the entrance. An open reception area welcomes you and your eyes are immediately drawn to a a beautiful staircase which incorporates an original finely carved crown post leading to stained-glass windows and a luxury open landing complete with soot-encrusted timbers. Down a corridor and up a narrow winding staircase is the aptly named Family Room.

This is where Abi and her beautiful bridal party got ready for the day. A window in the master section of the room provided light for preparation portraits as everyone milled around making the final touches.

Once the bridal party were ready, we descended down the stairs and out into the cloudless sun-drenched high street. Strangers faces lit up and congratulated Abi as she held the train of her Alice’s Boutique fitted gown, complete with bow veil and strolled towards Colchester Town Hall.

Abi asked me to check and make sure her husband to be wasn’t in view before she entered the building, so I did a quick sweep and ensured everyone was where they were meant to be. Her proud dad looked dapper in his suit and waited outside the ceremony room whilst Abi met with the registrar.

As Teddi Swims played throughout the venue, Abi and her bridal party made their way down the aisle. Once the ceremony was completed, we took some portraits at the table where they signed their legal paperwork and manoeuvred to the stunning staircase at the entrance of Colchester town hall for post-wedding family portraits.

Following this, we walked back down to the George Hotel for the reception. Abi and Simon caught up with friends and family and I checked in on the bride to see how she was feeling, to which  she calmly replied she was doing great and seemed excited to now celebrate.

The reception took place in the open bar/dining area of the George Hotel, where there was ample seating and drinks were steadily flowing. The decor was that of dark wood which was highlighted beautifully by the large windows cascading in the afternoon sunlight.

The couple wanted a candid, relaxed approach to their photographs, so I stole them away for a matter of minutes to snap some portraits on my new favourite location in the building, the staircase. I then returned them to the revelry of their family and friends, checking finally for any further pictures requested before I left them for the day.

Check out the gallery on my page for the final pictures!